CINCINNATI - New rideshare zones for Uber, Lyft and other companies offering this popular service are now in effect along the east and west sides of Walnut Street between Sixth and Seventh. The zones will serve drivers and passengers who use Uber, Lyft and other rideshare commuting providers.

The new designation, which goes into effect Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, is meant to improve safety and traffic flow in the heart of the Central Business District’s entertainment district.

The pickup and drop-off area will be available 6:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. daily Sunday through Saturday. It will be designated by new signage similar to the attached to identify the location for Uber and Lyft drivers and passengers. Drivers also will be made aware of the zones via a geofence installed on the Uber and Lyft phone app that directs them to the appropriate location to meet passengers.

East Side of Walnut Street

On the east side of Walnut parallel to the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts and the Nada restaurant, the zone will be located at the mid-block crosswalk on Walnut south to Sixth Street.

This stretch includes eight, metered parking spaces: Four free, 10-minute loading-only spaces and four pay-to-park spaces. Those existing meters will remain in force as usual until rideshare begins at 6:30 p.m.

Parking in the metered spaces remain free 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday; and free until 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Parking  also will remain limited to 10-minute loading in the four spaces closest to the Aronoff and requires payment in the four spaces closest to Nada.

West Side of Walnut

A similar rideshare zone for the same hours is designated on the west side of Walnut at Seventh Street heading south to several yards shy of the mid-block crosswalk.

This area will remain a Metro Bus stop before 6:30 p.m. daily and on weekends.

There are no changes to the existing valet operation for the 21 C Hotel.